ROCKFORD - Ice-covered concrete drainage ditches around town will be monitored by Public Works crews for potential flood dangers, although officials aren't anticipating any problems.

The city will watch the concrete waterways and send crews in to remove ice if a jam could stop the flow of water, Director Tim Hanson said. The city had to hire a contractor once to break apart ice inside a concrete ditch.

Usually, the ice disappears on its own as temperatures climb above freezing.

Jerry Sowers, Public Works director in Loves Park, echoed Hanson. The city's concrete channels have sufficient capacity, so he doesn't expect trouble from ice buildup.

There's no concern about melting or flooding in the coming days because the Rock River Valley will be bitter-cold. A wind-chill advisory is in effect through noon today, with the lowest wind chills expected to reach minus 30. The National Weather Service expects winds of 15 to 30 mph.

The wind-chill advisory warns of dangerous cold air that could result in frostbite or hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

Today's high is expected to reach 5 degrees, with highs in the coming days in the teens.